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Bone Spur Definition

Bone Spur Definition

When the degeneration in a joint begins to cause damage to the bone surface underneath the worn away cartilage, the body naturally regenerates the damaged surfaces with bone spurs or osteophytes. These bony projections may increase friction and stiffness in the affected joint, leading to the pain symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Although bone spurs are a characteristic of arthritis in a joint, the presence of bone spurs does not directly lead to a conclusive diagnosis of arthritis. In fact, bone spurs are a normal sign of aging and occur in almost everyone over the age of 50.

The information in Arthritis-health.com is not intended as a substitute for medical professional help or advice but is to be used only as an aid in understanding arthritis and arthritis related conditions.